Lithgow's Little Athlete Ryan Wells competed at the NSW Junior Championships from Friday, February 22 to Sunday, February 24 at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.
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The twelve year old competed in three events in the U14 age division, including high jump, 1500 metre and 800 metre run.
Despite being an U12 athlete, Wells gained second place in the U14 high jump qualifying him to represent NSW in the Australian Athletics Championships at Homebush from April 1-8.
Wells said he had been doing Little A's with Lithgow Athletic Club since U6s and he was happy to have the opportunity to represent his State.
"It's a big achievement and I really didn't think I'd get to have this opportunity especially being younger than the other competitors, it was a challenge," he said.
Wells will be up against some of the best athletics competitors in Australia including Olympic and Commonwealth Games athletes.
"I am a little nervous because I'm a lot younger than the other competitors but I'm comfortable with doing high jump, it's all about getting the technique right," he said.
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He also said it felt good to get over the bar each time.
"It feels like you've accomplished something and a huge relief when you get over without mistakes," he said.
Wells said he realised he was good at high jump in U9s and he hoped to one day be a professional high jumper.
"I love doing the sport and I want to eventually get to compete at the Olympics or Commonwealth Games and these championships are a stepping stone to getting there," he said.
He also said he had been putting in the hard yards in terms of preparation.
"I've been training four days a week, doing running training and high jump for the championships in April," he said.
Wells will be jumping between 1m 50cm and 1m 55cm for his events at Homebush.
He also said he was thankful his family were into athletics and supported him all the way.
"I'm excited to be able to go to the championships and represent NSW and I have a great support network behind me," he said.
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